Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's Disease

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Mar 17, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's Disease," is studying how changes in the brain occur in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Researchers want to learn more about the early signs of these changes and how they relate to the symptoms of PD, both motor (like movement issues) and non-motor (like mood changes). By understanding these changes, the team hopes to find better ways to detect PD early and track how it progresses. This research may also help in assessing new treatments aimed at slowing down the disease.

To participate in the trial, you need to be diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and not currently taking certain medications like levodopa. Participants should be able to walk independently for a short distance. Healthy individuals of a similar age and sex may also join the study as a comparison group. During the trial, participants will go through various assessments to help researchers gather important information about the brain's activity in relation to PD. It's a great opportunity to contribute to vital research that could improve care for people with Parkinson's Disease.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participants with PD
• • Diagnosis of idiopathic PD, as determined by a movement disorders neurologist in accordance with the PD Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria
• • Not receiving levodopa or dopamine agonist to treat PD (at baseline)
• • Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters Healthy Controls
• • Age- (+/- 3 years) and sex-matched to participants with PD
• • Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Dementia diagnosis and/or a University of California Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC) score and MacCAT-CR score indicating impaired capacity to consent
• • History of musculoskeletal disorders that significant affect movement of lower or upper limbs as determined at the time of enrollment
• • History of bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or major depressive disorder
• • Other significant neurological disorders that may affect participation or performance in the study
• • Implanted DBS or other neurosurgeries to treat PD
• • Pregnancy
• Additional exclusion criteria for TMS experiments (note that individuals who are excluded from the TMS experiment still have the opportunity to participate in the other data collection sessions):
• • History of seizures, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury
• • Recent history of frequent syncope (fainting) episodes in response to blood, emotional stress, or sensory triggers.
• • Intracranial metallic or magnetic devices (e.g. cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator)
• • Pacemaker or any implanted device
• • History of surgery on blood vessels, brain, or heart
• • Unexplained, recurring headaches or concussion within the last six months
• • Severe hearing impairment